Japanese Soaking Tub – A Spa In Your Home: 2023 Edition

A spa visit can cost you around $100, depending on various factors, such as the spa type, items included in the package, and time period. Some spas can go up to $750 per day. That is expensive for a day and if you go to the spa frequently, say once in two weeks in one month, you are spending around $1,500 a month. While there are benefits to going to a spa, such as great care from the technician and various medical authorized tools which helps to treat your issues. However, spending a ridiculous amount of money often to relieve stress by going to a spa cannot be affordable for everyone. So, what would be the solution for those who cannot afford expensive treatments such as spas? 

The answer is “Japanese soaking tubs.” From the comfort of your home, you can experience the same feeling as the spa with the help of a Japanese soaking tub. In this, you will see the soaking tub in detail, which will help you in making your decision to purchase one.

First, it is necessary to understand the bathtub and how it acts as an apparatus to help you relax in your bath.

A Bathtub– What Is It?

A bathtub is an apparatus where a bather, instead of taking a bath by standing, submerges the body in water and takes a bath. A bathtub is typically rectangular in shape and made of various materials such as acrylic, copper, natural wood, concrete, and cast iron. They are also available in various styles that suit different consumers. For example, the rectangular tub is also known as a “Western-style” bathtub. However, the bathtubs that most people recognize originated in Japan.

In Japan, a bathtub is known as “ofuro.” It is a common convention of Japanese culture, as many Japanese people enjoy soaking in a tub after cleaning themselves to relax. A Japanese soaking tub's physical appearance is different from a western bathtub. In the western style, the bathtubs are structured so that the bathers can rest horizontally and submerge themselves. They can also sit during the bath since there is more “leg room.” But the eastern-style soaking tub is very narrow and short but very deep.

From the design, a soaking tub is better suited for soaking than a western-style bathtub. 

Now you know what a bathtub is and, more importantly, what is a Japanese bathtub and its difference from the western style.

Japanese Soaking Tub– Best Suited for Soaking:

As mentioned above, a Japanese soaking tub is suited for soaking instead of a bath. You may wonder what the actual difference between soaking and bathing is. There is a slight difference, which is overlooked most of the time. In the bath, a bather cleanses their body and dries it off. This process takes around five to ten minutes and can vary depending on the person. On the contrary, soaking is mostly about a bather submerging their body up to their shoulder and being in that position for more than ten minutes. This is because soaking tubs focus more on the medicinal part of the quality of life than the hygiene part. 

You can add medicinal ingredients to elevate your soaking experience in a soaking tub. Soaking in those medicinal ingredients for a longer period helps relieve your stress from your whole body. It improves blood circulation by providing correct hyperthermal action, which helps to enlarge your blood vessels. Next is the easing of the pain and irritation from any skin-related issues. Adding honey and chamomile to your bath can help you to soothe pain from rashes and other blemishes. Soaking in warm water for a longer period of time helps the bather physically and mentally and ultimately serves its purpose of replacing a spa.

After soaking, it is best to clean your body in a shower. All the medicinal ingredients, lotions, and soap tend to stay on your skin after a long soaking session. With a shower, you can wash it away easily. 

Now that you know the purpose of a Japanese soaking tub, it is best to see which are best suited for your bathroom.

Best Japanese Soaking Tubs for Your Bathroom:

Japanese soaking tubs are usually narrow, meaning it does not take up much of your space like the western style, and also the installation is easy compared to the western style. 

1. Haru Resin Japanese Rectangular Soaking Tub with Integral Seat (43”):

In Japanese, “Haru” means “spring.” Hot springs are a great way to relax your mind and soul. As the name suggests, the Haru resin Japanese rectangular soaking tub can be one of the finest additions to your bathroom. Made of the finest solid polyresin material, this freestanding bathtub is great for heat retention for a longer period of time. Apart from that, this resin Japanese soaking tub has the best resistance to scratches and discoloration down the line. This soaking tub comes with a 106-gallon capacity; the physical dimensions are 271/4” L x 101/2” W, and the height is 85/8” (43”). The higher-than-average water depth facilitates soaking. The soaking tub has a built-in slot for overflow and adjusters. The integral seat that comes with it is the icing on the cake. Comparatively, this tub does not have any specified approach to maintaining it, thus reducing the effort. But, it is still recommended that you clean the tub often to retain its pristine condition. In all, this soaking bathtub truly elevates your bathroom aesthetics to the next level.

2. Hurley Handcrafted Natural Wood Japanese Soaking Tub (39”):

If you are looking for a small yet beautiful authentic Japanese soaking tub, this Hurley handcrafted natural wood soaking tub is the best choice for your bathroom. This 39” soaking tub is made of natural wood, and the physical specifications are 39 ⅜” in length and 27 ½” in width and 33 ½” in height. The capacity of this Japanese soaking tub is 95 gallons. The important factor to note if you are interested in this tub is that maintenance for this tub is extensive compared to other material-based tubs. Natural wood is more prone to scratches and other structural problems. It is best not to use abrasive materials to clean the soaking tub. Another thing to note is to protect the tub's finish; it is best to coat the tub with furniture wax to retain the shiny look. While there is a maintenance routine you need to follow, it will all be worth it in the end. The experience will rival the experience that you get from a spa.

3. Tipton Acrylic Round Soaking Freestanding Tub with Integral Drain (61”):

The Tipton Acrylic Round Soaking Tub is the best in its class, made of two vacuumed acrylic sheets and fiberglass. Since acrylic is the base material, you can rest assured that the durability of the tub is much better, meaning it has great resistance to small scratches and chipping of the bathtub surface. The tub can come in 61” in diameter and 233/4 inch in height and can contain about 120 gallons of water. It does come with heat retention insulation made of high-grade foam. If you are remodeling your bathroom and looking for a new soaking tub, then the Tipton Japanese soaking tub is a great choice and can be a better addition to your bathroom.

FAQs:

1.  What is the purpose of a Japanese soaking tub?

Soaking tubs focus more on the medicinal part of the quality of life than the hygiene part. By adding medicinal ingredients, soaking in a warm water bath for prolonged periods can help you to relieve stress, remove toxins from your body and improve your blood circulation. 

2.  How to sit in a Japanese soaking tub?

You can sit by interlocking your legs and keeping your spine straight. This helps you to sit comfortably. If your tub is rectangular, you can use a stool for sitting inside the tub. 

3.  Can you leave the water in the Japanese soaking tub?

Yes, you can leave the water in the soaking tub. Since it has medicinal properties (if you added any medicinal ingredients as an add-on), you can reuse it. But it is recommended to change the water after two or three uses.

Final Thoughts:

Bathtubs are a great way to relieve all your stress and remove all the toxins in your body. Many people may not afford expensive spas to get that great, pleasant experience. But with a Japanese soaking tub, you can imitate those experiences in your home comfort. Also, a Japanese tub totally transforms your bathroom and elevates its aesthetic to a newer level. In recent years, many have continued to favor the Japanese bath, which is becoming a popular apparatus in the bathroom. Magnus home products also offer great Japanese soaking and other tubs if you are interested in purchasing one for yourself. Check here to learn more. This article hopes to give enough information about the Japanese bathtub, which can be helpful in buying one for your bathroom.